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Introduction: Acne vulgaris (acne) is characterized by both inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 5% is approved to treat acne but may cause skin irritation and/or contact allergy. Objectives: To compare the benefit in acne of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream containing salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid, niacinamide, 2‐oleamido‐1,3‐octadecanediol, piroctone olamine, zinc, Aqua posae filiformis, and thermal spring water (DC‐Eff) to BPO 5% gel. Materials and Methods: 150 Caucasian subjects (50% female) aged between 18 and 40 years, with mild to moderate acne according to the GEA (Global Evaluation of Acne) grading system were randomized into two parallel groups (DC‐Eff or BPO to be applied twice daily for 56 days). IGA (investigator global assessment), GEA, lesion count, clinical signs and symptoms, and subject assessment were evaluated at baseline, and after 28 and 56 days (D28 and D56) of treatment. Results: The responder analyses of the IGA and GEA scores showed that 62.2% and 47.3%, respectively, in the DC‐Eff, compared with 50.0% and 36.5%, respectively, in the BPO, had improved by at least one point at D56. Inflammatory, non‐inflammatory, and total lesion counts significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased with both products from baseline, with no between‐group difference. Subjects considered that their skin was smoother and that DC‐Eff was easy to apply. DC‐Eff was better tolerated than BPO. Conclusions: DC‐Eff applied twice daily is as beneficial as BPO in improving mild‐to‐moderate acne. DC‐Eff was better tolerated than BPO and highly appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attendees at the IRA Annual Convention love getting to hear their favorite authors. One popular series of sessions offered twice the fun, pairing two authors together for an hour-long session. [...]

Background: In 2015, 2200 patients attended the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory in University Hospital Waterford. 3,142 procedures were completed. This gives an average of 60 cases per week. As a quality improvement initiative, the cath lab nursing staff undertook a patient experience survey to illuminate the positive and negative aspects of the care provided in our centre. The aim of this survey was to use these results to guide improvements in the quality of patient care. Method: Lean's six sigma approach of define, measure, analyse, improve and control was chosen as a suitable methodology. We sourced a validated patient satisfaction tool from another health system and adapted it for local context. The survey looked at the admissions process, the pre, intra and post operative experience of the patient. A Likert scale was used. The survey was completed over a four week period. Results: A total of 66 patients participated in the survey, giving us a 48% response rate. Overall the results were favourable and demonstrated a high level of patient satisfaction. This included aspects such as courtesy and respect shown by staff, cleanliness of the clinical areas and the clarity of information imparted by staff. Areas requiring attention as highlighted by the respondents included the ambient temperature of the clinical areas and aspects of the diet offered to patients post procedure. Twenty percent of patients reported fair to poor for the temperature questions and supplemented this with comments. In relation to dietary requirements, 6% reported between fair and poor. This was also reflected in the comments provided. Conclusion: The patient experience survey was a very useful exercise and based on our findings, two quality improvement plans, for room temperature and diet, have been implemented. A six month follow-up survey is planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]